AANDC moving forward with "Consultations" for Development of a First Nation Education Act
Consultations for Development of a First Nation Education Act
Learn about the Process
Please start your visit here.
Intensive consultations are now underway on the development of a proposed First Nation Education Act. We are encouraging all First Nation individuals, leaders, stakeholders and interested parties to share your views through the online consultation process. We encourage you to take some time to read the discussion guide and take the online survey (external link, opens a new window)regarding the proposed legislative approach.
In this section you can:
- Learn more about the process that is underway
- Read the Discussion Guide upon which the consultations are based.
- Learn about Activities 2008 to present
- Find information on Federal Funding Levels for First Nations Elementary/Secondary Education
Latest Updates
- December 11, 2012: Government of Canadaannounces the start of the Government's intensive consultations with First Nations on the development of a First Nation Education Act.
- December 11, 2012: Discussion Guide is now available.
The Consultation Process
In 2011, the Government of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations launched a National Panel on First Nation Elementary and Secondary Education, which recommended a First Nation Education Act. AANDC is undertaking intensive consultations for development of First Nation Education Act.
The consultation process consists of two key stages. First, between December 2012 and April 2013, the Government of Canada is implementing activities to support intensive, open and meaningful consultations on the Government's proposed legislative approach. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) officials have now begun focused face-to-face discussions with First Nation leaders, principals, teachers, parents, elders and community members.
Meetings are being coordinated in seven cities across the country, including:
- Halifax, NS - January 22, 2013 (Completed)
- Saskatoon, SK - February 8, 2013 (Completed)
- Calgary, AB - week of February 25, 2013 (DATE TBC)
- Vancouver, BC - week of March 4, 2013 (DATE TBC)
- Winnipeg, MB - week of March 11, 2013 (DATE TBC)
- Quebec, QC - week of March 25, 2013 (DATE TBC)
- Thunder Bay, ON - week of April 8, 2013 (DATE TBC)
Note: This information will be updated as specific dates of meetings are confirmed.
Each of the above sessions are scheduled to consist of two half-day meetings, one with First Nation leadership and one with education practitioners and community members. In order to ensure that these face to face sessions are constructive and focussed, each session includes approximately 30 participants. Departmental officials may also schedule additional video conferences or teleconference meetings to allow the participation of individuals and organizations who are unable to attend any of the face to face sessions.
To help ensure consultations are both cost-effective, meaningful and provide the flexibility needed to maximize participation from First Nations and those with an interest in First Nation education, the Government of Canada is making use of key technologies such as the online consultation tool to provide additional opportunities for input and feedback into the development of proposed legislation.
Following these consultations, the government will then take into consideration the views and perspectives shared during the first phase of consultation to help inform the drafting of proposed First Nation education legislation.
As part of the second stage of consultations, the Government of Canada is committed to sharing the draft legislation with all First Nation communities across Canada, as well as with provincial governments and other stakeholders, for feedback.